Murder Lawyer San Francisco, CA
Any DUI charge usually requires the help of a DUI lawyer to protect the rights of the accused. When the DUI charge is paired with a manslaughter or vehicular homicide charge, it becomes even more imperative to hire an experienced DUI lawyer. They fight hard to protect their clients as they navigate the justice system, and to achieve as positive an outcome as possible. This may include a reduction of charges, or even a dismissal which allows the defendant to walk free. If you were charged with DUI manslaughter or vehicular homicide, talk to a DUI lawyer about the details of your case.
What is a DUI first degree manslaughter charge?
When a driver is charged with DUI first degree manslaughter, it is because there is a reasonable belief that the individual consumed alcohol and/or drugs prior to operating their motor vehicle and causing an accident that killed someone. The person may be initially charged with DUI first degree manslaughter, which is a felony, but later their charges are elevated to an even more serious felony– vehicular homicide. This is likely if the prosecutor believes this is warranted based on the evidence or due to the person’s criminal driving history. This is why it is important to hire a DUI lawyer from the very beginning. Your DUI lawyer can be involved in the process of negotiating with the prosecutor as to how you will be charged. Avoiding getting charged with even more serious crimes can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case. A conviction for DUI first degree manslaughter may be accompanied by any or all of the following:
- Temporary, long term, or permanent loss of driver’s license privileges.
- Up to fifteen years imprisonment in state prison, though this term may vary from state to state. Your DUI lawyer can provide you with an accurate term length based on the circumstances of your case.
- Costly fines in the thousands of dollars.
- Mandatory participation in a substance abuse rehabilitation program.
- Regular and frequent drug and alcohol testing.
- Years of probation after release from prison.
What is DUI first degree vehicular homicide?
DUI first degree vehicular homicide is an even more serious felony than DUI first degree manslaughter. Your DUI lawyer may attempt to plea this charge to the lesser felony charge of first-degree manslaughter, or possibly to a misdemeanor, second-degree manslaughter charge. It will depend in large part on your criminal record. For instance, if there are favorable extenuating circumstances, this plea approach has a better chance of success. Examples include:
- This is your first DUI charge.
- You have never been convicted of a DUI or other serious motor vehicle violation.
- A medical condition was a major factor for why you were DUI. For instance, you were under a doctor’s care and were not informed of the risks of taking prescribed medication in conjunction with alcohol. As a result of taking the medication and drinking alcohol, you were unable to safely operate your motor vehicle.
- Your vehicle had a defective part which significantly contributed to your inability to control the vehicle and which directly led to the accident.
If you were the DUI motorist of a vehicle that caused someone’s death, contact a murder lawyer San Francisco, CA offers immediately.
Contact the Morales Law Firm for their insight into criminal defense and if DUI accidents involving a death.
